VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF POTATO IN GURAGE ZONE IN CASE OF GUMMER WOREDA

Abstract

This study explores the value chain analysis of potato in SNNPR, Guraghe Zone;Gummer District. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected from individual interview using semi-structured questionnaire and key informants interviews by using guiding questionnaire. The primary data for this study were collected from 154 randomly selected potato producer households. Data analysis was made using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models. The potato products pass through different marketing agents before reaching the end users. The result of the multiple linear regression models indicates production surplus of potato was significantly affected by distance to all weather roads, number of livestock, potato land size, irrigation access, credit access, cash income from other farm activities and lagged price. And also it revealed that the main receivers ofpotato from producers were wholesalers, collectors and consumers. The major constraints and opportunities were at different stages of the value chain. Potato is widely grown and marketed for a long time in the study area, yet farmers face Diseases anapests, Limited access to supply of agricultural inputs and Natural factors are significant and this three variables were constrain of potato production. The opportunities were suitable agro-ecology and government support. Strengthening the linkage among actors, providing training on storage construction and disease control, improving bargaining power of producers and initiate small scale processors were recommended to improve potato value chain.